2 Weeks of the 4 Fs: Family, Friends, Food, Fun

I’m composing this post on my flight back to LA after 2 weeks of the 4 Fs.  I thought that two weeks would be more than enough time to see and do all the things I wanted to do over the break, but that was definitely not the case. It went by so quickly!  I wish I had another week or so to rest and visit before diving back into the real world.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my parents moved to Houston this year after living in Duncan, Oklahoma, for 30 years.  This was my first time to see their new house, and it was great! It’s in a gorgeous neighborhood and my mom has done a great job decorating.  My favorite things about the new place are the wonderful hiking/biking trail behind the house, the incredible jacuzzi bathtub in the master bath, and the peaceful back deck with a pretty fountain (that is the home to several cute little goldfish) where we liked to eat breakfast in the morning and drink wine in the evening. J

Christmas morning at the new home. Also, pictured here: the matching glasses that Daniel and I unknowingly both chose at the eye doctor recently. (We made sure to not wear them at the same time  the rest of my visit so we wouldn't look like awkward twinsies or something...) 

As always, I loved seeing my family (and kitties!!). I miss my cats so much while I’m in LA that I turn into a legit cat lady when I’m home with them.  (Anyone who follows me on Twitter can attest to this). ;-) It was wonderful to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins too.  My darling cousin, Erika, got home from serving a year in Iraq days before Christmas, so that was extra special. The local news even did a feature story on her! You can watch the video here. Pretty much, I have the best fam (and kitties), and I love them a lot, a lot.  J

After all that glorious family time, I spent my last weekend of my trip in Oklahoma to celebrate New Years Eve and the wedding of two dear friends from college, Sarah Larson and Colin Morgan .  This was truly one of the best weddings I’ve ever attended largely because it was a huge reunion of tons of college friends I haven’t seen since graduation 2 ½ years ago!  It was an absolute blast to catch up with these old friends and dance the night away. 

So happy to be reunited with Amber and D!

Always fun to party with my beloved brother. 

Dancing with the beyond beautiful bride.

Doing a cheesy huge Delta on the bride (or at least attempting to...)

I’m already looking forward to my next visit with my family (in May for my brother’s graduation!) and the next big wonderful reunion with college friends. Someone else needs to get married… stat.  ;-)

Currently listening: Ingrid Michaelson

Why: I’ve already established in previous ‘currently listening’ posts that Ingrid is one of my very favorite musicians these days, but the reason for my listening to her lovely tunes this evening in particular is that Sarah and Colin danced their first dance as husband and wife to her adorably sweet song “The Way I Am” from her album “Be OK”. Maybe the sappiness from the wedding hasn’t worn off yet, but let’s just say I’ve listened to this song  and her cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” more than a couple times on this flight home. ;-)

Sappily,

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